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West Manheim rakes in leaf-collector cash

State recycling grant to be used toward purchase, now that the burning of leaves has been outlawed for most.

By MELODY ASPER

For The Evening Sun

Posted:
03/15/2013 09:04:25 PM EDT

West Manheim Township is one of nine York County municipalities to recently receive significant recycling grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

At a meeting last week, township officials said they are happy that they received the entire $196,934 sum for which they applied. The money will be used to purchase additional recycling bins and equipment to process recyclables.

The DEP awarded $17.8 million in recycling grants to 131 municipalities and county governments statewide.

Other York County municipalities receiving recycling grants this year include Hanover Borough, $180,056; Penn Township, $249,783; and Spring Grove Borough, $58,561.

"Recycling plays a key role in improving Pennsylvania's economy and protecting its environment," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer wrote in a letter to the municipalities. "These grants further that cause, and DEP is proud to invest in local programs that help the awardees strengthen their recycling programs."

As of 2013, West Manheim is required by the state to offer curbside recycling throughout the township.Funds from the DEP grant will be used to purchase a vehicle to collect leaves and chip brush, as well as to supply educational materials to explain the new recycling program to residents.

Township Manager Kevin Null said the leaf-collection equipment is vital, because under new requirements, residents will no longer be allowed to burn leaves and instead will need to place them at the curb to be gathered by township crews.

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"This is definitely something that we need to buy as soon as possible so that we are ready for this fall," Null said. "We have never had the ability to collect leaves before, but it is something that we must prepare for now."

The leaf-collection apparatus is expected to cost between $75,000 and $170,000, depending upon whether the township can find acceptable used equipment or it must buy new.